Pearl of the Stars

The Imperium arrived in the unknown star system. The jump itself had taken six days, much longer than anyone had expected. As the rest of her unit exited the jump point, the vessel’s on board computer was already updating, displaying a vast amount of information in a short space of time.

“Report,” barked Captain Frank Holding. The star system appeared smaller than most yet the star itself was a Blue Hypergiant and had there once been anything in its orbit, it had long ago been dragged into the star by its massive gravitational pull.

“We’re clear Sir, of absolutely everything.”

“What about the star, is it gonna’ hold out for our transit?”

“We have no way of knowing Sir,” the Lieutenant replied. “If you want my advice, we’ll get to the next jump point as quickly as our fuel supplies allow.”

“Duly noted Lieutenant, thank you.” Frank glanced at the star and shuddered. There really was no other force as destructive anywhere in the Universe. “Find me the jump point that fickling fleet used and plot a course.”

“Aye Sir.”

“Systems are picking up massive amounts of radiation Sir,” a Sub-Lieutenant spoke from her console.

“Can we handle it?”

“Suggest we divert all available power to our shields Sir.”

“Do so, and instruct the rest of the unit to do the same.” He was certain the shielding on all vessels would be more than adequate, even those belonging to the Panzer. As an MRV she did not possess battle quality defences. Still, a quick transit of the Star System should be fine all round. “Lieutenant, get me Midnight Runner.”

“Aye Sir,” the Lieutenant replied as he set about his task. Within seconds Midnight Runner’s commanding officer appeared on screen in front of Captain Holding.

“Hello George.”

“Frank, you old space dog. What can I do you for?”

“I’ve got my techs running all over the place searching for the jump point outta’ this hell hole. You got Nosworthy over there?”

“Yeah, you want me him to give it a crack?”

“He’s one of the best in the Fleet,” replied Frank honestly. “If memory serves he’s plotted more unknown stars than anyone still alive.”

“Sounds about right,” George replied with a smile, quite obviously proud to have such a well thought of individual on his crew. “I’ll get back to you shortly Frank.”

The transmission terminated, Captain Holding stood from his station to stretch his legs, yawning widely as he did so. He turned to the Lieutenant.

“I’m going to grab a couple of hours, don’t disturb me unless absolutely necessary.”

“Aye Sir.”

***

Less than an hour later, Captain Holding awoke with a start. It took a few seconds before he realised the cause of his awakening and with that realisation, Imperium vibrated as she took more fire.

He flung himself from his bunk, already fully dressed, and raced as quickly as he could to the bridge.

“Report!”

“We’re taking fire Sir!” The Lieutenant replied, speaking rapidly. “It appears our route through the system triggered some kind of automatic defence. The installation was well hidden in the star’s radiation cloud.”

“Give me unit-wide,” Frank commanded, and then waited a few seconds. “All vessels converge on Panzer. We need that MRV, so look after her as you would your own spouse!”

“Captain Fink for you Sir.”

“Give me some good fickling new George!”

“Must be your lucky day Frank. Nosworthy’s found our jump point, I’m feeding you the coordinates now.”

“Good fickling thing too,” Captain Holding replied. “Looks to me like Midnight Runner is closest to that fickling installation. Be a sport, and chuck a rock or three at it.”

***

With Imperium leading the way, the unit passed by the installation at almost the exact moment Midnight Runner’s projectiles took it out.

Thankfully, minimal damage had been caused, certainly nothing Panzer couldn’t deal with in a matter of hours at any rate. Repairs were going to have to wait though, as hanging around the Blue Hypergiant was simply not an option

***

“All vessels, prepare to jump,” said Captain Holding over the unit wide coms a matter of hours later. “Battle formation. The next system is another unknown, and that fickling fleet could well be waiting for us.” He terminated the transmission and a few seconds later, the unit entered the jump point.

“I guarantee we won’t be quite so lucky next time,” he said quietly enough that no one else could hear.